Last updated on July 1st, 2025 at 05:45 am
Estimated reading time: 2 minutes
Detective Kien investigates a headless body found in a rural Vietnamese village during the Nguyen Dynasty. As supernatural elements emerge, he faces chilling twists in this 19th-century mystery.
3388 Films distributes in the US.
Also known as Thám Tử Kiên: Kỳ Án Không Đầu.
Director Victor Vu was quoted saying the following: “One of my greatest passions is to explore Vietnam’s culture and the distinct beauty of the country through my films, no matter what genre I’m working in. Detective Kien is special because it offers audiences a glimpse into Vietnam’s past. The movie was shot in villages and homes that are 200 years old. Considerable attention was given to the production design, costumes, props and locations – to offer the most realistic portrayal of Vietnamese society during the Nguyen dynasty. I want to share this world that we recreated with international audiences, with the hope that they will gain a better understanding of the rich tapestry of traditions, customs and beliefs that characterize the unique culture of Vietnam.”
Helmed by Victor Vu, who directed Dreamy Eyes and Yellow Flowers on the Green Grass, which were Vietnam’s official entries for the International Feature Film Oscar at the 93rd and 89th Academy Awards.
This is reportedly the “top horror thriller of all time in Vietnam” and is “on track to become Vietnam’s 2nd highest grossing film of the year, and is already the 8th biggest of all time overall in its home country.”
This is a Vietnamese period supernatural mystery.
Galaxy Studio released Thám Tử Kiên: Kỳ Án Không Đầu in Cinemas in Vietnam on April 30, 2025.
3388 Films released Detective Kien: The Headless Horror in Cinemas in the U.S., Germany, Czech Republic and Slovakia on May 29, 2025.
3388 Films released Detective Kien: The Headless Horror in Cinemas in the UK, Canada, Norway, Sweden and Poland on May 30, 2025.
Infinity Entertainment released Detective Kien: The Headless Horror in Cinemas in Australia and New Zealand on June 5, 2025.
GSC Movies releases Detective Kien: The Headless Horror in Cinemas in Malaysia on July 17, 2025.
Director: Victor Vu